By Ashley Bercasio
There were 58 names called at the 2022 NBA Draft on Thursday (Friday, PH time). Sadly, Kai Sotto was not one of them.
The 7-foot-2 big man, considered the Philippines’ best hope for its first-ever homegrown NBA player, waited. But after two rounds, his name was left uncalled.
Before the NBA draft, Sotto was able to showcase his wares to a handful of NBA teams.
This included the New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls, Indiana Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Atlanta Hawks, Orlando Magic, and Sacramento Kings, all of whom invited him to pre-draft workouts.
Despite the setback, the 20-year-old’s NBA dream remains alive. Teams may still take a chance on the Filipino cager, possibly signing via the free agency route.
Other options for the 20-year-old Sotto include a possible return to Australia National Basketball’s Adelaide 36ers, a team where he signed a two-year deal that included an option for a third year. – ag – bny
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